Quick & Comforting Barefoot Contessa Mac And Cheese Recipe

Barefoot Contessa mac and cheese transforms ordinary pasta into a symphony of cheesy decadence that tantalizes taste buds.

Luscious dairy meets perfectly cooked noodles in a culinary dance of comfort and sophistication.

Each forkful promises a blend of creamy richness that melts effortlessly on your tongue.

Professional techniques elevate this classic dish from simple sustenance to gourmet masterpiece.

Carefully selected cheeses weave complex flavor profiles that sing with every bite.

Layers of sharp and smooth cheese create a harmonious texture that feels both nostalgic and innovative.

This recipe doesn’t just feed you, it delivers a passionate embrace of pure, unapologetic deliciousness that will make your dinner table legendary.

Equipment You’ll Need for Barefoot Contessa Mac and Cheese

• Large Pot: Perfect for boiling macaroni with enough space to stir comfortably.
• Colander: Essential for draining pasta quickly and thoroughly.
• Whisk: Helps create smooth, lump-free cheese sauce with ease.
• Separate Pot: Ideal for crafting creamy cheese sauce without sticking.
• 3-Quart Baking Dish: Provides ample space for layering mac and cheese.
• Cheese Grater: Helps create fresh, melty cheese for maximum flavor.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures precise ingredient quantities.
• Sharp Knife: Great for slicing fresh tomatoes evenly.
• Wooden Spoon: Perfect for stirring and folding ingredients gently.
• Oven Mitts: Protects hands when handling hot dishes and baking.

Cooking Method for Barefoot Contessa Mac and Cheese

• Fire Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375°F and grab a comfy 3-quart baking dish.

• Dance With Pasta

Boil water in a big pot, toss in a splash of olive oil, and let macaroni twirl and cook for 6-8 minutes. Drain completely and set aside.

• Whip Up Dreamy Cheese Sauce

Melt butter in a saucepan, sprinkle in flour, and stir gently over low heat. Pour in hot milk while whisking like a pro until the sauce transforms into a silky marvel. Pull from heat and introduce cheddar and gruyere to create a luxurious cheese symphony. Season with salt, pepper, and a hint of nutmeg. Lovingly fold cooked macaroni into this creamy embrace.

• Build And Adorn

Transfer your cheesy creation to the baking dish. Crown the top with delicate tomato slices for a pop of color and freshness.

• Crown With Crispy Magic

Melt butter and tumble bread crumbs into a golden shower. Scatter this crunchy topping across the mac and cheese landscape. Slide into the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the surface turns a gorgeous golden brown and bubbles with excitement. Let it rest for a quick 5 minutes before diving in.

Tips to Improve Barefoot Contessa Mac and Cheese

• Boost Cheese Flavor: Experiment with different cheese combinations like sharp cheddar, smoked gouda, or creamy fontina to create a more complex and rich taste profile.
• Make It Crispy: Toast breadcrumbs in a skillet with a bit of butter before sprinkling on top for extra crunch and a golden, restaurant-style finish.
• Add Protein Power: Enhance the dish by mixing in crispy bacon bits, shredded rotisserie chicken, or diced ham for a heartier meal that satisfies bigger appetites.
• Spice It Up: Incorporate a dash of cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or hot sauce to give the mac and cheese a subtle kick and unexpected depth of flavor.

How to Plate Barefoot Contessa Mac and Cheese

• Pair with Fresh Salad: Complement the rich mac and cheese with a crisp green salad tossed in light vinaigrette for balanced flavor and added nutrition.
• Serve with Roasted Vegetables: Add colorful roasted broccoli, carrots, or asparagus on the side to enhance the meal's nutritional value and provide textural contrast.
• Create Family-Style Meal: Place the baking dish directly on the table for a warm, inviting dinner experience that encourages sharing and conversation.
• Add Wine Pairing: Enjoy a glass of chardonnay or sauvignon blanc to cut through the creamy cheese and elevate the dining experience.

Saving Barefoot Contessa Mac and Cheese for Later

• Maximize Freshness: Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and maintain optimal flavor.
• Reheat with Care: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, adding a splash of milk to restore creamy texture. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes to keep the crispy topping intact.
• Freeze for Later: Package mac and cheese in freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve taste and consistency.
• Portion and Prep: Divide leftovers into single-serving containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or quick weeknight meals. Label containers with the date to track freshness and enjoy within the recommended storage timeframe.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 670 kcal

Servings: 8

Barefoot Contessa Mac and Cheese: Ingredient List

• Macaroni: Choose high-quality, ridged pasta that holds sauce beautifully.
• Olive Oil: Select extra virgin for smooth pasta preparation.

• Butter: Opt for unsalted, creamy European-style butter.
• Flour: Use unbleached all-purpose for perfect sauce consistency.
• Milk: Select whole milk for rich, luxurious texture.
• Cheddar Cheese: Pick sharp, aged variety for bold flavor.
• Gruyere Cheese: Choose authentic Swiss cheese for nutty undertones.

• Salt: Use fine sea salt for balanced seasoning.
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground provides intense aromatic profile.
• Ground Nutmeg: Select whole nutmeg and grate for maximum freshness.
• Fresh Tomatoes: Select ripe, firm tomatoes with vibrant color.
• Bread Crumbs: Use homemade or premium panko for crispy golden crust.

Creamy Barefoot Contessa Mac And Cheese Recipe

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4.5 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s barefoot contessa mac and cheese delivers creamy comfort with sharp cheddar and Gruyère. Cheese lovers will savor each luxurious bite of this classic American pasta dish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 oz (340 g) Gruyère cheese, grated
• 8 oz (227 g) extra-sharp Cheddar cheese, grated
• 1 lb (454 g) elbow macaroni or cavatappi
• ¾ lb (340 g) fresh tomatoes
• 1 qt (946 ml) milk
• 8 tbsps (113 g) unsalted butter
• ½ cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
• 1–½ cups (120 g) fresh white bread crumbs
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• Kosher salt
• Vegetable oil

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 375°F with rack centered, ensuring uniform heat distribution.
2. Pasta Cooking: Boil salted water, add olive oil, cook macaroni until al dente. Drain completely and set aside.
3. Roux Creation: Melt butter in heavy saucepan over medium-low heat, whisk in flour smoothly. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent scorching.
4. Sauce Development: Gradually pour hot milk, whisking vigorously to eliminate lumps. Cook until sauce thickens and coats spoon, approximately 3-4 minutes.
5. Cheese Integration: Remove from heat, blend cheddar and gruyère cheeses. Season with salt, black pepper, and nutmeg. Stir until sauce becomes silky and uniform.
6. Combining Components: Fold cooked macaroni into cheese sauce, ensuring complete and even coating of pasta.
7. Layering and Topping: Transfer mixture to baking dish, arrange tomato slices across surface. Combine remaining butter with breadcrumbs until golden and evenly coated.
8. Final Baking: Sprinkle buttered breadcrumbs over tomatoes. Bake 30-35 minutes until top turns golden and edges bubble. Rest 5 minutes before serving to allow sauce to stabilize.

Notes

• Prevent Pasta Sticking: Add a tablespoon of olive oil to boiling water to keep macaroni from clumping together during cooking.
• Master the Roux: Cook flour and butter mixture for exactly 2 minutes, stirring constantly to develop rich flavor without burning.
• Achieve Creamy Sauce: Whisk milk gradually and continuously to eliminate lumps, ensuring a silky smooth cheese sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.
• Crisp Breadcrumb Topping: Thoroughly coat breadcrumbs in melted butter for a golden, crunchy exterior that adds delightful texture to the mac and cheese.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 670
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 23 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg